Students

There is always something for students to take part in at our centre, with events, workshops, and opportunities for career growth happening all the time. From Fused Glass workshops, to our free Wildcard Wednesdays, and even world-class Exhibitions – there is always something to inspire you. Why not explore our opportunities below while enjoying our multi-use spaces between studying.
A gradient background of pink, blue and yellow, with the University of Leicester logo at the top, a stylised wavey 'STUDENTS' in the middle and 'Attenborough Arts Centre' at the bottom.

Attenborough Arts Centre Takeover

27 September, 11am – 5pm, Centenary Square, University of Leicester Campus
Students! Attenborough Arts Centre and the University of Leicester welcomes you as the new #CitizensOfLeicester through a day of dance, music, art and creativity.

Welcome week is all about meeting new people, enjoying your new campus and having a bit of fun. With events running for the whole day, you are sure to find something you really enjoy and find other students with shared interests too.

Sculpture Bingo
Bingo with a twist! This sculpture hunt will take you across the main sites of campus allowing you and your friends to discover your new favourite spots at university. Can you find all 12? Bring back a full card of stickers to win prizes. Plus, at 12pm and 1:30pm join comedian, Dan Nicholas, for his comedy sculpture tour! Just meet him outside the marquee on Centenary Square.

Decorative Pot Sign Writing
Halls looking a bit bare? Add a splash of personality and colour to your room with this sign plant pot workshop by professional sign writer Lorna Dunn. You don’t have to be a Picasso, just bring yourself and your imagination in this fun-filled workshop. Sign Pot Creation is inspired by Wildcard Wednesday: a weekly event exclusive to students where you learn a random craft each time.

Sticky Campus
Explore, take photos, and discover the most iconic parts of campus! Bring friends and take selfies with spots on campus that inspire you. Print your photos with our instant printers and add your selfies to the large campus map, adding to a mosaic of images and stories as new #CitizensOfLeicester

To learn more about Welcome Week at University of Leicester, explore their website to see all upcoming events.

Two men in hats, sunglasses and puffer coats with furry hoods lit by lilac lighting looking at the camera.
Strizzy Strauss Live, 12pm – 12:30pm

Fresh, flavourful and rooted in early influential hip-hop – join Strizzy Strauss for an unmissable performance in our marquee.

Listen to some of his incredible music on his YouTube, Spotify or Bandcamp.

Sohan Kailey wearing traditional indian clothing, smiling and dancing.
Bhangra Fusion, 12:30pm – 1pm & 2pm – 2:30pm

Dance, dance, dance away with Bhangra Fusion. Explore the traditional folk dance from the Punjab with dance expert Sohan Kailey who will take you through the steps. Bhangra Fusion is all about giving it a go, having fun and dancing in full colour. This is just a taster of the many performance and dance events offered at Attenborough Arts Centre.

The drag kind 'Rich Tea' wearing a white collared shirt looking into the camera intensely.
Drag King Life Drawing, 1pm – 1:30pm

Create your own dynamic drag-inspired masterpieces with Drag King Life Drawing. Featuring the fabulous drag king ‘Rich Tea’ (Hannah Lawless), this is a fun introduction to life drawing which is open to all. Similar to the Independent Life Drawing drop-in session at Attenborough Arts Centre, you’ll learn the basics through short and speedy drawing activities as well as more considered, longer poses.

Wildcard Wednesday

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Every Wednesday, 6pm – 8pm
Every Wednesday we host a different craft workshop, but the trick is: it is a surprise what you will be doing. Jewellery making, ceramics, watercolour painting – you never know what you will be doing next! Plus, it is totally free.

Gallery Lates

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Friday 30 September 2022, 7pm – 11pm

Join us after hours for a free immersive live art experience, presenting the best in local music, dance and visual art in our gallery and cafe. Inspired by our current exhibition ‘Black Garden Paintings’ by Bruce Mclean, the theme for this edition of our popular Gallery Lates is ‘Pose’.

Independent Life Drawing

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Every Wednesday, 6pm – 8pm
Want to practice life drawing in a supportive space? Then this is for you. An open class designed to develop your skills that we recommend booking in advance. In this class we can only guarantee newsprint, so please bring your drawing materials.

Performance

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Want an enthralling sensory experience? Then our theatre and performances are perfect for you. We’re proud to host evenings with celebrated authors, live music, glamorous burlesque shows, and theatre shows. With tickets as low as £4 with a valid NUS card, it won’t break the bank either.

Creative Learning

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We offer a wide range of fun creative courses that provide a creative release when not studying or in class. From Tango classes, to Calligraphy, to Adventures in Art: with classes from as low as £5, there’s something for everyone.

Exhibitions

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We curate four free-to-access gallery spaces hosting a wide range of art pieces from artists all around the world from across the spectrum of artistic disciplines. Always free, always open for all.

Music Scholarships

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 The University of Leicester has a long-established relationship with the renowned Philharmonia Orchestra. As part of this arrangement, we are able to offer this scholarship under which talented student musicians receive one-on-one training from members of the Philharmonia.

Spaces For You

We proudly have four galleries that provide free exhibitions as well as a place for some down time. Our café serves delicious cake and even better coffee, whereas our tranquil garden fuels your inner peace. Or, maybe you’re looking for a space to study or socialise, like in our Salmon Gallery – a space for free use with tables, chairs and beanbags. There’s so much at our centre we promise you’ll be back for more.

Attenborough Advocates: Film Event

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The Attenborough Advocates are a student volunteer group who were provided an exciting opportunity to work with us at Attenborough Arts Centre and create an event that corresponds with the themes of our previous exhibition ‘In Which Language Do We Dream’. Keep an eye on our socials to get involved in the next event management project.